6 lessons from children’s stories to help leaders become powerful storytellers

6 simple storytelling lessons leaders can take from children’s fiction

6 simple storytelling lessons leaders can take from children’s fiction

28th January 2019Saskia Jones

When leaders tell stories, they can capture our hearts, inspire our minds, and ignite the potential to create positive and sustained change for all. Communications extraordinaire Saskia Jones dives into the most timeless genre of storytelling – children’s fiction – and picks out 6 eye-opening lessons it can teach us about shaping stories that last a lifetime.

We use stories to make sense of the world, to tie together our experiences and relate to one another. They influence the way we think, feel, act and behave.

It’s no wonder then, that stories are such a powerful way to engage employees and that leaders are continually being encouraged to be great storytellers. But what makes a good story?

Well, why not start from the beginning.With the stories that shaped our thoughts and perceptions from when we were just a few years old. The stories that will stay with us forever, through a character we related to, or the emotions we felt.

Children’s stories.

They are some of the most powerful communications in existence, with an appeal that often lasts generations.

So what can we learn from them about what makes a gripping story, and how we can use this to help leaders bring stories to life in the workplace?

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With 32 beautiful designs, this pack of cards are an ideal launch pad for a huge number of activities to stimulate constructive storytelling in the workplace, in an education setting or even at home with friends and family.

6 lessons from children’s stories to help leaders become powerful storytellers

Start by introducing a compelling character

The best children’s books have an unforgettable and unique character.

Consider Harry Potter, Mary Poppins or Peter Rabbit. These characters help keep the narrative alive, because you are keen to follow them on the next stage of their journey.

In business, your character could be your customer, beneficiary, or an employee – but crucially, we must empathise with and relate to them.

Then create a conflict

All good story plots are based on conflict and challenge. Here is an example:

Things start off happily. Then the main character has a big challenge to face; his or her story takes you on a rollercoaster ride where the character faces battles, takes risks, fails at first, and ultimately survives – bringing the story to a satisfying resolution.

And this doesn’t have to be in the present. It could be your leader projecting a story about your company’s future – of how your organisation needs to face the difficulties of standing out in saturated markets, and striving to deliver more for less – how will they face these challenges, and adapt to survive?

Reveal the resolution

This might be positive or negative. Stories shouldn’t just exclusively paint a positive picture! Real life has ups and downs – people connect to stories with drama. Vitally, the conclusion should complete the story but also call your audience to action.

Be sure to help people see themselves in the story

The best children’s stories transport you to another world and make you think ‘That could have been me’ or ‘What would I do if that happened to me?’.

Leaders should tell stories of real people in real situations, building empathy, and encouraging us to draw on our own experiences.

Relatable stories help employees see that each one of them can make a difference to achieving the company mission. They tap into their personal aspirations and help them realise that they can move forward as the heroes in their company.

Spark emotions

We remember children’s stories for the sadness, fear or joy we felt whilst we read. As humans, we are hardwired to remember and learn from the emotional impact of stories.

For a CEO or leader to engage and motivate staff, they should share emotional experiences. It is these stories that will make employees’ eyes light up.

And the clincher? Keep it simple!

Look at the language in a children’s book. The short sentences. Short words. Short paragraphs. Children’s stories teach us a lesson in using simple language to great effect.

Consider repetition and alliteration, and make your story easy to repeat and quote from.

1. Create a compelling character2. Build suspense and drama3. Reveal the resolution4. Make it relatable5. Trigger emotions6. Keep it clear and concise

Meet the author

Saskia Jones

I am a Communications Consultant and Coach, specialising in internal communications and advising C-suite executives. My latest role was Head of Communications Engagement at Oxfam, responsible for brand, strategy and global internal communications. I have been awarded ‘Internal Communicator of the Year’ at the Institute of Internal Communication Icon Awards. You can learn more about what I do in the IC sphere over on my website.

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Internal communication and leadership expert Per Zetterquist puts forward his case for why he believes IC should be less about simply crafting messages – and more about inspiring positive leadership behaviour change.

Communications extraordinaire Saskia Jones dives into the most timeless genre of storytelling – children’s fiction – and picks out 6 eye-opening lessons it can teach us about shaping stories that last a lifetime.

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